Learning Never Stops: Mr Oakes Earns Distinction in ICT Apprenticeship

Mr Oakes has shown that even when you are employed at Priory, you carry on learning!

Mr Oakes came to Priory as an ICT Technician two years ago and has just passed his Level 3 Information Communication Technology Support Technician Apprenticeship, with distinction.

Mr Oakes, who is from Oldham, said: “I have always been into computers although I did like art as well. In Year 6, I was given a prize for being a ‘computer know-it-all!’

“At that time, there was one computer for around 30 pupils and it’s a lot different now.

“I was working in a small primary school as an IT Technician where everything was self-taught. I was a one-man band, and I had no formal training.

“I saw a job at Priory advertised as an ICT Technician, had my interview and I was given the job in November 2023.

“Strategic Estates Development Manager Mr Bolton wanted to push me to achieve more formal training, so I started a government-backed Apprenticeship qualification while working at Priory.

“My background when I came to Priory was in working on Apple-based systems, so I had to learn about the Microsoft platform in a secondary school environment on the job.

“Essentially, I am a firefighter for the IT Department. If anything goes wrong at Priory, I am the first line support and I’m physically there to sort it out. I also work and manage the digital signage system around the school.

“There is never a dull day and that’s in a good way, it’s always different and I could never go back to a desk job.

“We work closely with Lostock Hall Academy, we work together on IT, and it means it’s busy all the time. I am hoping to do more qualifications and it’s great that Priory is supporting me.”

Mr Bolton said: “When Mr Oakes came for the interview, we knew he would fit in personality-wise and it was just about enhancing his PC skills for our environment.

“We put him on an Apprenticeship course and used the Apprenticeship Levy to fund his training to give help with more formal qualifications in IT Support.

“His final project was to improve the Wi-Fi in the English classrooms for the laptops there which he was successful with, and he has qualified with distinction.

“He has also used his creative skills to digitally enhance the logo for the House badges which we are all proud of. He is a big addition to the IT Support Department and to Priory supporting the school and students in a variety of ways.”